Pis del Pesio

Pis del Pesio is one of the most unusual waterfalls in the Maritime Alps of Piedmont — water shoots horizontally from a karst rock face, reaching heights of up to 20 metres before falling into the valley below. The waterfall sits in the Pesio Valley (Valle Pesio), inside the Marguareis Nature Park, a short drive from Cuneo.

What Will You See?

The name Pis del Pesio translates literally to "the piss of Pesio" — and the description is accurate. Water collects inside the mountain through a karst system and bursts out through a natural opening in the rock under pressure, creating a striking horizontal jet rather than a traditional curtain cascade.

There are two separate outlets along the trail. The first is reached by following a path into the forest. The second has a wooden viewing balcony built beside it, allowing visitors to watch the waterfall safely from close range. Both are a few minutes' walk apart and worth seeing on the same visit.

The surrounding Marguareis Nature Park is one of the best-preserved valleys in the Piedmontese Alps. The trail runs alongside the Pesio River through forests and open meadows, with views of the surrounding peaks.

How to Get There?

The trailhead is at the Pian delle Gorre Refuge, located at 1,040 metres above sea level. Driving from Cuneo takes about 30–35 minutes via Chiusa Pesio. There is an entrance fee of €3.50 per car to enter the nature park.

From the refuge, the trail follows the Pesio River upstream. The one-way distance is approximately 4.5 km with around 570 metres of elevation gain. A full out-and-back hike takes 3.5 to 4 hours. The path is well-marked and manageable for anyone in average physical condition.

Public transport connections from Cuneo are limited, so a car or organised tour is the most practical option.

When to Visit?

Pis del Pesio is a seasonal waterfall. It flows reliably between April and June, fed by snowmelt and spring rainfall, and typically dries up completely by July. The best window is late May to early June: earlier in the season the waterfall may still be partially frozen and the valley inaccessible due to snow.

In August and September the valley itself is scenic, but the waterfall is gone. It's worth checking local conditions before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pis del Pesio active all year round? No. The waterfall is seasonal, typically flowing from April through late June. It dries up in summer once snowmelt ends. Late May and early June offer the best combination of flow and trail accessibility.

How long does the hike take? The return hike from Pian delle Gorre takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. The round-trip distance is approximately 9 km with around 570 metres of elevation gain.

Is there an entrance fee? Yes. Entering the Marguareis Nature Park by car costs €3.50 per vehicle, payable at the valley entrance.

How far is Pis del Pesio from Cuneo? The drive from Cuneo takes around 30–35 minutes via Chiusa Pesio. The trailhead at Pian delle Gorre refuge sits at 1,040 metres above sea level.